Reddit reviews How to Survive in the Chilean Jungle

How to Survive in the Chilean Jungle

Okay here is my go:
I did an internship a while ago in center Chile (Curico), having little Spanish under my belt and I only one person spoke English I got by. Really just because the people are super nice, easy to get along with, very helpful and patient. So speaking the cut up Mexican Spanish that I knew I did fine, I'm sure you will get along much better. There is a book that I invested in to help with their slang, I took it on my last trip there (1 week ago) and it help a lot. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/9567802386

I loved it there so much I am working toward moving there once I get my degree. As I said before Chileans are really nice, even in Santiago so just put yourself out there enjoy life. And be careful of your mayonnaise intake.

It's this one http://www.amazon.com/Survive-Chilean-Jungle-Taboada-Brennan/dp/9567802386 however keep in mind that this book has been printed since quite a long time. The amazon edition is frmo 2006 so if there's a newer one, get that one because it's likely that it's changed a lot of vocab

If you have a good sense of humor and don't mind making a bit of a fool out of yourself, you'll be fine without knowing english when you get here. I knew spanish coming in and immersed myself in Valpo with just Chileans for almost two years before moving to Santiago. Once I got here I met a ton of gringos and half of them didn't speak spanish at all. They're getting better, but its still basic most the time, and its totally fine. People appreciate you putting in the effort and so long as you have a smile on your face and keep trying they'll be more than happy to meet you half way. (Besides, lots of people here have a pretty solid basic level of english, its taught in every shcool and any professional degree will require you be fluent enough to read in english)

Get this book, first and foremost: The Chilean Spanish Bible True you'll need a basic level of spanish no matter what, but the chilean dialect (I would call it slang if it wasnt for the fact that everyone from your abuela to the 14 and 15 year old kids use it so long as they're not in some formal occasion) you'll here everyday is something that even my native spanish speaking colombian/venezuelan/mexican friends stare at me and go "what..did they just say?!". Don't let that scare you though, the "modismos" (as its called here) is actually really fun to learn, and once people see you're having trouble understanding them they'll try more general words. You'll be fine.
There are several dog parks, check out some ex-pat blogs for the area and you can get some good insider info. "Don't Call Me Gringa" is a great blog I've been following for years and the girl talks about her dog all the time and where her and her husband take her.
Allchile.net might have some good links for spanish classes around the area, but honestly, if you're in the center you wont have a big problem finding a place. There are a lot of foreigners here.
Sorry thats so long!! But I hole it helps a bit :)

i didn't know about that! i will get it. thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/Survive-Chilean-Jungle-Alvaro-Taboada/dp/9567802386

(actually, it's out of print, but there are a bunch more books related that seem like they could also be helpful)